65 19 h International Research/Expert Conference ”Trends in the Development of Machinery and Associated Technology” TMT 2015, Barcelona, Spain 22-23 July 2015 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY FOR Z-CORP, RTV AND CUBE 3D RAPID PROTOTYPING PROCESSES Dragi Tiro, Associate Professor Faculty of Mechanical Engineering University „Džemal Bijedi“ Mostar, BiH Daut Denjo, Associate Professor Faculty of Mechanical Engineering University „Džemal Bijedi“ Mostar, BiH ABSTRACT Three commonly used processes of rapid prototyping are RTV, Zcorp 3D print, Cube 3D print. This paper briefly explains these three methods. If we create the same part using these rapid prototyping methods, its dimensions will not have the same accuracy. Some method has higher and another lower accuracy. The comparative analysis of three rapid prototyping methods to the dimensions’ accuracy has made in this paper. The goal is to get a recommendation whichone of three methods to use, if we want the greatest dimensional accuracy. Keywords: Dimensional Accuracy, Additive Manufacturing, RTV, Zcorp 3D, Cube 3D 1. INTRODUCTION The technologies of 3D printing (so called additive processes ar additive manufacturing [1, 4, 7]) are being developed from the 90s of the 20 th century. They were firstly used for the rapid prototyping for conceptual and presentation models, and are increasingly used to produce functional parts, which are built into the products. It has developed a number of procedures and methods, such as: 3D Inkjet Printing (ZCorp method); Stereolithography Apparatus – SLA; Solid Ground Curing – SGC; Laminated Object Manufacturing – LOM; Fused Deposition Modelling – FDM; Selective Laser Sintering – SLS; Room Temperature Vulcanization - RTV or Silicone Rubber Moulding - SRM) etc. [1, 2, 5]. We are the most commonly encountered: 3D Inkjet Printing, Fused Deposition Modelling – FDM and Room Temperature Vulcanization - RTV, although rarely we can found the other methods in use. Dimensional accuracy of parts produced by above mentioned three methods are examined in this paper. 2. 3D INKJET PRINTING (ZCORP METHOD OF 3D PRINTING) We make three-dimensional part’s solid model using a software for 3D modelling and convert it into STL format (also supported .wrl, .ply and .sfx formats [2]). Then the model is divided into thin layers for printing using the software of company ZCorporation. In the printer ink jet head lays liquid binder after each passing of the powder. The powder hardens when the binder occurs, and unhardened powder creates the support for the part. After the printing part is removed from the printer and we remove the excess powder with compressed air. We carry out a postprocessing, which includes infiltration (reinforcement) with resin, wax, urethane, cyanoacrylate, etc. [2]. Also, we perform a short thermal processing of part to dry it. The powder that is not used can be used again.